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One of the biggest misconceptions of the moving industry is that it's untamed and unregulated -- and filled with sketchy movers.
In fact, the moving industry is comprised of thousands of quality moving companies (big and tiny) that give exceptionally high levels of service and take every move seriously.
The industry itself has also become more involved in cleaning up its act. In April 2008, the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) announced the "ProMover" designation.
To become a ProMover, AMSA checks out applicants for any applicable convictions; to verify compliance with state incorporation laws, the moving companies agree to compliance with applicable state and federal laws, as well as AMSA's Code of Ethics.
The companies that meet the high standards will be found on AMSA's website, http://www.promover.org.
Relocation.com also screens the moving companies that comprise its network, and both and federal and state governments are active in licensing and policing moving companies.
But as with anything nowadays, being knowledgeable is still the best way to avoid the bad seeds in the industry. So let's start with some terminology you've probably seen but perhaps aren't familiar with. As you start your search, you'll come across 4 primary players, and it's crucial you know what they do and who they are.
Van Lines - These large moving companies are usually distinguished by their long tenure in business, and they provide a full scope of moving services both nationally and internationally.
There are approximately 25 van lines, and they're owned and operated separately with corporate structures that include both public and private companies. Among the largest van lines in the U.S are United Van Lines and Mayflower Van Lines (both owned by Unigroup) and Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines (both owned by Sirva, Inc).
Van Line Agents - As you get moving estimates, you probably think you're dealing with a van line, but you are actually dealing with one of its agents, which operate as independent companies. There are approximately 4,500 of these agents; they can be either single-office agents or have a large, national office structure. They must agree to certain quality guidelines established by the van lines in order to operate under their licensing authority, similar to a franchisee.
Many of these agents have long histories in their communities and are multi-generation family-owned and operated businesses. Because they're part of a van line, there is a high level of checks and balances built into its processes, with access to a variety of training programs and best practices.
Independent or "full service" carriers - These independent carriers don't have a van line affiliation. There are over 1,000 independent moving companies doing interstate service under their own licenses and more than 5,000 providing intrastate service only.
Many of these independent companies can provide you a high degree of personal service, including direct involvement in your move by company owners. However, due to the lack of affiliation with a van line, there is a higher degree of risk associated with an independent moving company -- do some additional research and ensure that you will be able to get the level of service and experience that you want for your move.
Moving Brokers - You will sometimes come across moving brokers who find a moving company to do your move. Be wary, because you'll have scant idea if the moving companies they use are insured and aim for high standards. If you use a broker, ask for the identity of the mover; if you can't get it, move on.